Life, 1888-09-27 · page 5 of 14
Life — September 27, 1888 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 173 This page contains several short humorous pieces typical of Life's satirical content. The main cartoon depicts a seaside or beach scene with well-dressed figures in conversation under an awning. The jokes address everyday social situations: a wife questioning her drunk husband's appearance ("is he ugly?"), advice about smoothing over marital conflicts, and Uncle Abner's observations about drinking water quality in York City versus his preference for cider. The cartoon's caption focuses on a character named Tynne borrowing fifty dollars on Saturday, with Brown responding that people shouldn't expect repayment—a commentary on casual lending practices and financial irresponsibility among acquaintances. The humor targets middle-class domestic life, marriage dynamics, and social pretensions of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
* LIFE: MOTHER HUBBARD. (AFTER ROSSETTI AND OTHERS.) T was an ancient dame, so runs the tale, Who, in a state not motionless, sans rest, Conveyed herself along as one in quest Of good, or ill it might be, nor did fail To reach her goal ; a cup of tin, a pail And platter were disposed as seemed it best Upon the shelf—a closet stood confessed, ‘The place, forsooth, where she did oft regale Herself and dumb companion, tried and true; But now it was the trusty comrade’s fare The question to be solved, for him she sought, For him she anxious peered, hoping to view The frugal bone: alas! the place was bare, And thus the wretched hound possessed it not. BOYHOOD FRIENDS. LERK (to busy employer): There is a gentleman out- side, sir, who says that he is a very old friend of your father's. Busy EMpLoyer: Tell him I'm sorry, but my father is dead. P| Cispe 6. $'¥- 178 CHEERING NEWS. ARY: I'm so glad Eugenia was not seasick on the trip over. Bessie: How do you know she was not? has only just arrived on the other side. Mary: The paper says that the C7ty of Rome was spoken by the Z¢rursa, which reported “ all well on board.” The steamer SMOOTHING MATTERS OVER. HEN your husband comes home drunk,” said the magistrate, “is he ugly?" “No, sorr, he’s plisant.” “Then why don’t you try to smooth matters over?” “Ot did sorr; Oi hit him wid a smoothin’ oirun.” “ THE WATER WE DRINK. DON'T wonder,” said Uncle Abner as he emptied his glass, “that you folks in York City drink so much wine and beer. I used to be a strict temperance man myself, but when I seed from the ferry-boat the kind o° water you have ‘round here, I vowed I'd stick to hard cider during this trip!” 6c Van Tynne: CAaN‘T YOU PAY ME THAT FIFTY DOLLARS YOU BORROWED SATURDAY ? Brown: OW, THUNDER! Don't DUN A FELLOW IN COMPANY. Van Tynne: WWAT MATTER, WHEN YOU OWE THEM ALL? Brown: YeS, BUT THANK HEA’ THEY ARE NOT ALL LIKE YOU! THEY DON'T EXPECT TO GET IT. comicbooks.com